Truth be told, I still purchase cow's milk for my daughters (gasp I know). I also on occasion drink it myself in the form of a latte, which honestly is quite rare as I prefer an Americano or regular coffee over many special drinks.

A couple months back I was having some away time to write and noticed the coffee shop offered almond milk. This isn't too surprising to find in a place like Bellingham with independent coffee shops, but it's also not the norm. So, I took the barista up on the offer and bought a maple (almond milk) latte (yes real maple syrup). Upon the first drink...bleh. I'm a firm believer in giving food second & third chances. Another drink...ugh, no dice. It tasted like uncooked bacon or something. Not the most appealing taste lingering on one's tongue.

I would give that boxed almond milk another chance a couple other times; but, to no avail, the uncooked bacon taste. It was then and there I would pick up the anchor and make some at home. I was certain it was the additives in the milk that made it less than appealing. Sure enough, my homemade almond milk was superb. That already milky-like taste in almonds came through in the milk. Steamed some up for lattes and it was no different. Plus, super easy to make without utilizing a Vita-mix or Blendtec blender. Use this in place of the milk to make your homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.

You can use a linen kitchen towel instead of cheesecloth, just not terry cloth. You can also keep the almond pulp to use for future baking. Simply spread on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350. Cool and store in fridge or freezer.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw almonds

3 cups water

2-3 Tb pure maple syrup (grade B)

1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt

Directions:

Soak almonds in a jar covered with purified water (using your Brita works fine) overnight or 8 hours.

Rinse your almonds, discarding the soaking water.

Place almonds & 3 cups water into a blender. If using a regular blender (non-Vita-mix or Blendtec), fold a kitchen towel and place on top of lid. Puree or liquify the almonds & water until almonds have been thoroughly pulverized. This can take about 45 seconds.

Take cheesecloth, folded, and line it in a sieve. Put that cheesecloth lined sieve over a bowl and pour the almond mixture through. The cheesecloth will catch the almond pulp.

Take the ends of the cheesecloth and wrap it up, in order to keep the almond pulp inside and squeeze the remaining milk out.

Add the maple syrup for taste to add a bit of sweetness. Or if you are avoiding extra sugars, don't add it. **You could use honey instead, or use a couple medjool dates while the almonds & water are being blended.**

Store in the fridge for 3-5 days, or check for smell. If it tastes sour, then it's time to throw it out.

This is part of the Opening the Door to Autumn's Harvest Series

Kamille Scellick passionately believes that gathering around the table is where the body, mind & soul will be nourished. It's around the table where you're sure to find her on any given day...eating, talking, listening & sharing life with her husband, Ben & three girls.

Food hasn't tasted quite as good these past months, which is a bummer since I live by the mantra, "I live to eat!" Truly, I love to eat. I love food. One of the reasons I love my gym is because I'm surrounded by my people (those that don't shy away from eating). But, what does a pregnant woman do when eating fluctuates, taste buds diminish and then Lent pops up?

Take comfort that this too shall pass and hope by the time Spring arrives, the taste bud glory will return. I'm beginning to see this, especially after slicing the fresh pineapple with my oldest hovering for a taste. The girls complain that I put the lime zest, but I assure them that honey drizzled over it will make it come alive. Our lunch consisted of Roasted Mustard Cauliflower, deviled eggs & this naturally sweet delight. We agreed the pineapple won the gold.

I implore you to serve this for dessert; rather, than going through all that extra effort of calorie forming pastry.

Kamille Scellick passionately believes that gathering around the table is where the body, mind & soul will be nourished. It's around the table where you're sure to find her on any given day...eating, talking, listening & sharing life with her husband, Ben & three girls.

Whenever the summer fades and autumn begins, or winter days emerge, banana bread is comfort food. Our week has been a winter wonderland. Monday the snow began to fall with Tuesday being knee deep for the littles, and today well below freezing.

Any plans that we had hoped for have taken a turn for lounging in pajamas & lots of dress-up play. One thing is banana bread chocolate chip cookies. They speak of home. Home as all things good, safe & wonderful. I'm reminded how many children & adults do not know this reality of home. Where cold, abandon & uncertainty loom at every corner.

I looked out into the ice-bitten chill that sang of the White Witch last night. My prayer, "Oh Jesus. Have mercy on those children, those parents, those people who don't have a warm home. Who don't have food in their belly. For those mothers who bury their children. Who am I? Thank you for this warm home, food fit for a king. Thank you that my girls don't know that reality."

I paused to take in what this world of hopelessness looks like and it breaks me. Why should I receive a blessing? Then, I read through my journal today from 8/6/11:

Generosity--giving--one needs to be intentional with life. With life, money, time & resources. Managing a home should never just be about creating, saving and restoring for family; but, in order to bring life to those around us.

Our home is not just to create a safety around our children, to provide for their needs, or my needs. It is that, but it is to be a blessing. Just as God said at the beginning to Israel, "you are to be a blessing to the nations." That is hospitality...to be a blessing. Saying no to more stuff, in order to give more generously.

This has huge implications with a greater bewilderment to follow of "how can I do it?" Today, I paint our door frames with Jesus feeding the 5,000 against all odds. I pray with my girls that we would be mindful of our blessings, in order to give that to others. I bake cookies with my girls to give them a taste of the sweet mercy of Jesus, and how it's new every morning.

I would love to hear how you find the blessings and how you give blessings.

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are way too good to last that long. If your's do, then storing them covered will make them more soft and more banana bread like.

Put about two tablespoons (I use a cookie scoop) onto the lined pan. Sprinkle with vanilla salt. Bake for 15-17 minutes, depending on how soft you want them. Remembering that almond flour is more moist than regular flour. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes and then transfer, serve & eat.

Kamille Scellick passionately believes that gathering around the table is where the body, mind & soul will be nourished. It's around the table where you're sure to find her on any given day...eating, talking, listening & sharing life with her husband, Ben & three girls.

Redeeming the Table

Redeeming the table shares stories of faith & life around the table, while utilizing real food focusing on seasonal & local whole foods and extending hospitality to welcome others to it. Kamille Scellick is the voice behind Redeeming the Table, and she speaks candidly and openly of her own story, struggles, and triumphs in sharing the table. She is a mom to three girls, one who has special needs. She is the wife to Ben. She loves Jesus. A believer in redeeming our story around the table, where we eat, drink & share life, tears & laughter. Redeeming the Table is where home is in the here but not yet.

#Repost @saveurmag with @repostapp. ・・・ Nominations are open! Head to Saveur.com/blogawards to nominate all the blogs you love. Or nominate yourself. And tell all your friends to do the same. #savblogawards

When you get #slugsandbugs DVD in the mail you HAVE to dance.

They are having a play for me. Looks a lot like me watching them play. 😉

I wrote a little six month reflection on losing my brother on the blog. Link in profile

When the two year old is quiet...always beware. #permanentmarkerninja #Capreesy

Life hands us beauties everyday, we merely need to open our eyes. #scellickfarmhouse

Two trees intertwined makes for yellow & pink/orange blossoms. @lindseylouk I think some would look lovely in your house. 😉

Caprice currently asking Daddy to tell her stories about times when he was a naughty boy and Granny wasn't so happy about it. I could listen to her sweet voice forever. #scellickfarmhouse #atthebreakfastnook #Capreesy

I had branches in this vase since the fall. Now with spring blooming around here and cut some of these lovelies off (with one pink blossom thrown in for good measure). I just need a new vase. What color vase would you use? @lemonademakinmama I have this and more--just sayin😉

Joining #fridayintroductions with @thetinytwig & @jessaconnolly
I'm Kamille with a K. My maiden name was Sotomayor, which is super fun if you know how to pronounce it. I grew up in #yuma arizona, born in #wallawalla Washington (So good they named it twice). I am a quarter Mexican and my great Grandma was on the last train into the US before they closed the border. I've been married for 12 years to Ben & we have three girls. One of my signature traits is surprising people with the color of my skin and belting out a very loud rolling of the tongue into a Mexican laugh.
I want to know what is a surprising trait you have?

Helping in classes today and I'm reminded of two things: 1. I didn't like elementary school because too much in door time. 2. Kids and teachers need parents helping out and I love being able to be there.